The Planning Services division develops long-range and special area plans to ensure that Salisbury’s citizens have more access to the things they value and administers a number of important local, state, and federal programs for homes, the environment, infrastructure, and the local economy. We strive to strengthen Salisbury’s quality of life and to ensure that our community’s current and future needs can be supported.
Our team works every day to accomplish these goals by closely tracking and responding to local and regional economic/demographic trends, by staying up-to-date on best practices in urban design and city planning, and by listening to the everyday concerns of citizens and business owners who wish to make Salisbury stronger.
COMMUNITY PLANNING DIRECTOR
Hannah Berg Jacobson
(704) 638-5230 | Hannah.Jacobson@salisburync.gov
As Director, Hannah oversees the work of the Community Planning, Code Enforcement and GIS Divisions. In addition to her supervisory roles, she led the update to the City’s comprehensive plan, Forward 2040: Salisbury’s Framework for Growth, and manages several current projects including the city’s 10-Year Housing Strategy and the redevelopment of the former Kesler Mill site.
Hannah received her Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in City and Regional Planning. Hannah is recognized by the American Planning Association as part of the American Institute of Certified Planners. Prior to joining the City of Salisbury in April 2019, Hannah spent 10 years with the Durham City-County Planning Department.
URBAN DESIGN PLANNER
Alyssa Nelson
(704) 638-5235 | anels@salisburync.gov
In her efforts to improve the quality of life and vibrancy of Salisbury, Alyssa manages a variety of community design projects, which include the annual BlockWork program and Salisbury Sculpture Show, downtown revitalization incentive grants, as well as various placemaking projects. She is the staff liaison to the Community Appearance Commission, the Public Arts Commission and the Dixonville-Lincoln Memorial Task Force.
Alyssa received a Master’s degree in Architecture and a Master’s in Urban Design from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in both Fine Art and Art Education from Franklin Pierce University. Alyssa received her AICP Certification in 2023 and has been with the City of Salisbury since 2016. In 2021, she was chosen to participate in Next City’s Vanguard Conference in Greensboro, NC, where leaders from different disciplines gathered to find innovative ways to improve cities.
PLANNER
Emily Vanek
(704) 638-5311
Emily.Vanek@salisburync.gov
Emily works on a variety of the City’s long-range planning projects, including the Forward 2040 Comprehensive Plan, small area plans, grant administration, and other special projects. She is the staff liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission, and manages the City’s local preservation projects.
Emily received her Bachelor’s degree in Community and Regional Planning from Iowa State University in 2020. Prior to coming to Salisbury, she interned at the Iowa Department of Transportation and the City of Traverse City, MI. In 2022, Emily became an AICP candidate.
SR. ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST
Jennifer Pfaff
(704) 638-5240
Jennifer.Pfaff@salisburync.gov
Jenni provides administrative assistance, customer service and project coordination for Planning and Neighborhoods, as well as support for Code Services. She serves as Secretary to the Historic Preservation Commission, Housing Advocacy Commission, Community Appearance Commission and Public Arts Commission.
A native North Carolinian, Jenni has been with the City since July 2021. Her journey to the City has included being a stay-at-home mom, owning a yarn store, and most recently, working for Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. She has a Bachelor’s in English from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
In her spare time, Jenni is an avid reader, accomplished knitter and amateur beekeeper.